I Just Watched...

[rosebette]

The High Wall - interesting film noir with Robert Taylor and Audrey Totter, atypical for both MGM and Robert Taylor.  Taylor is a vet with PTSD who may have murdered his wife, who was having an affair with Herbert Marshall.  This was an unusually dark character for Taylor, and I thought he was good in the part, and I'm not a fan of Taylor.  I have to admit that I found him an ambiguous character, even if one does assume his innocence.  The undercurrent of violence is so strong in him that I had a hard time not seeing him as a potential abuser in whatever relationship he is in.  Herbert Marshall is suavely evil (no spoiler there because it's assumed from the beginning that he's the actual culprit) and has a great scene with an elevator and an umbrella.

[JamesJazGuitar]

1 hour ago, rosebette said:

The High Wall - interesting film noir with Robert Taylor and Audrey Totter, atypical for both MGM and Robert Taylor.  Taylor is a vet with PTSD who may have murdered his wife, who was having an affair with Herbert Marshall.  This was an unusually dark character for Taylor, and I thought he was good in the part, and I'm not a fan of Taylor.  I have to admit that I found him an ambiguous character, even if one does assume his innocence.  The undercurrent of violence is so strong in him that I had a hard time not seeing him as a potential abuser in whatever relationship he is in.  Herbert Marshall is suavely evil (no spoiler there because it's assumed from the beginning that he's the actual culprit) and has a great scene with an elevator and an umbrella.

Yea the scene with the umbrella and elevator and how causal the Marshall character does the deed, is great.  Reminds me of a similar scene in The Dark Corner with Clifton Webb and William Bendix.  (expect here it is a cane and window). 

[midwestan]

I'd never seen "High Wall" until it was shown Monday night on Audrey Totter's day.  I'll give a shout out to Jack Dawn.  The look he created for Robert Taylor, especially in the early portion of the film when he's first taken to the County Asylum was most impressive.  I've never seen Taylor look so menacing, disheveled, and forlorn as he did when he's first encountered by Totter in his holding cell.

[LornaHansonForbes]

i posted this the last time they showed HIGH WALL (on NOIR ALLEY), and I apologize, because I know my fandom of CLASSIC RADIO BROADCASTS annoys some of you, but SERIOUSLY- the half hour version of the story that aired on SUSPENSE! (and substituted Robert Young for Robert Taylor) is ONE OF MY TEN FAVORITE EPISODES EVER EVER, EVER.

Here it is, and if you have 23 minutes to dedicate to it, i think it'll blow your mind.

without spoiling too much, they- um- made a few changes in their version.

 

 

 

[Hibi]

I watched High Wall when it was on last time. (was it Noir Alley?) or I would've watched it again. Even Robert Taylor is good!

[NickAndNora34]

MY NAME IS BARBRA (1965) 

The 1965 television special starring Barbra Streisand and a live orchestra. Netflix just recently uploaded several of Barbra's live concert specials, so I've made a goal to watch all of them in haste lest they get removed. 

This special was the first one Barbra ever did; it was broadcast on April 28, 1965 (just 4 days after Barbra's 23rd birthday). In the intro, Barbra spoke about how the network heads were doubtful that the special would bring in enough viewers due to the fact that there were no other people performing besides Barbra, and parts of it were filmed at Bergdorf Goodman's. Nevertheless, the special was aired, and I found it to be quite entertaining. 

The special is split up into 3 sections. Section 1 deals with childhood songs, Section 2 deals is a sort of commentary on class/status, and Section 3 is merely a couple of songs sung to the live audience without costumes/props, etc. My favorite two songs that Barbra sang, were "Sweet Zoo" and "Second Hand Rose." I am quite familiar with both of these; they just happen to be 2 of my favorite Streisand songs. There was an introduction to "Second Hand Rose," in which Barbra spoke about how she loves to buy clothes from thrift shops (I have no idea whether or not this was true, or merely a relative anecdote), and she brilliantly segued into the song. One thing that I noticed, was how funny she really was. It's also quite something to have a television special of your very own at age 23. 

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love Streisand, and it was a nice glimpse into the past, as well as her career in general. 

[rosebette]

15 hours ago, jamesjazzguitar said:

Yea the scene with the umbrella and elevator and how causal the Marshall character does the deed, is great.  Reminds me of a similar scene in The Dark Corner with Clifton Webb and William Bendix.  (expect here it is a cane and window). 

And the janitor is a great scene stealer, going on about his arthritis and his need for a warm climate.  I was sorry to see him go.

 

[hamradio]

Could never get around to seeing this movie until tonight.

"Gods and Monsters" (1998) on the Audience channel.  Great to see a movie unedited, in 2.35 widescreen format and commercial free.  Didn't expect full frontal nudity in it though.  Wish AMC gets back to the way this channel presents films. 

Sad seeing James Whale losing it at the end of his life.

Jack Betts did an excellent Boris Karloff.

 

[LornaHansonForbes]

I USUALLY only bring up something I JUST READ in the I JUST WATCHED thread if it's a book that I think will appeal to you guys and your classic film sensibilities, this qualifies.

I just read MCTEAGUE by FRANK NORRIS and I loved it.

This is the book on which GREED: THE FILM OF FILMS is based...I have to admit that I have only seen the first twenty minutes of GREED- TCM ran the restored version with the best of intentions, but it was one of those cases where a camera lingers over sepia-tinted production photos as substitution for deleted and lost scenes, and- much like accomplished accordion playing- I recognize the talent and the love involved, but DEAR GOD, do I find the end result taxing to endure.

anyhow, the whole first hour of GREED is stuff that isn't in the book- about the childhood upbringing of the protagonist (apparently ERICH VON STROHEIM wanted to go all TREE OF LIFE on people back in 1923), and I have to say, I don't think this is necessary or wise.

MCTEAGUE is an efficient 300 or so pages, and while the author sometimes goes a little baroque on the descriptions (which nonetheless, i found interesting as this a veritable time capsule for 1899, the year it was published)- the end is so magnificently constructed, there's not a word I'd take out. it is also worth noting that there are two subplots to the main story which are really well executed and bolster the central moral of the tale- the author most wisely inserts at least one happy ending into the whole grim tale.

like TERESE RAQUIN by ZOLA, MCTEAGUE is fascinating as a very early noir....it may actually be (loosely playing with dates) The First Great American Crime Novel of the 20th Century.

The ingredients are all there- San Francisco, money, a woman, obsession, MURDER!.... if you like HAMMETT, JIM THOMPSON, CAIN and CHANDLER: READ THIS BOOK (I guarantee you each and every one of them did.)

one of the signs of a good book is how often i utter things aloud while reading it, and i lost track of how many times some plot development led me to let loose a gasp, a profanity, or a firm "WATCH OUT GIRL!" directed towards the female protagonist. There are two brilliant twists at the end, for one I gasped, for the other I let loose a full NELSON MUNTZ "ha-HA!"

IT IS ALSO, as are the best of classics, prescient in its indictment of society, people, and (of course) greed.

[Hibi]

9 hours ago, hamradio said:

Could never get around to seeing this movie until tonight.

"Gods and Monsters" (1998) on the Audience channel.  Great to see a movie unedited, in 2.35 widescreen format and commercial free.  Didn't expect full frontal nudity in it though.  Wish AMC gets back to the way this channel presents films. 

Sad seeing James Whale losing it at the end of his life.

Jack Betts did an excellent Boris Karloff.

 

And Ian was robbed of his Oscar........

[Hibi]

4 minutes ago, LornaHansonForbes said:

I USUALLY only bring up something I JUST READ in the I JUST WATCHED thread if it's a book that I think will appeal to you guys and your classic film sensibilities, this qualifies.

I just read MCTEAGUE by FRANK NORRIS and I loved it.

This is the book on which GREED: THE FILM OF FILMS is based...I have to admit that I have only seen the first twenty minutes of GREED- TCM ran the restored version with the best of intentions, but it was one of those cases where a camera lingers over sepia-tinted production photos as substitution for deleted and lost scenes, and- much like accomplished accordion playing- I recognize the talent and the love involved, but DEAR GOD, do I find the end result taxing to endure.

anyhow, the whole first hour of GREED is stuff that isn't in the book- about the childhood upbringing of the protagonist (apparently ERICH VON STROHEIM wanted to go all TREE OF LIFE on people back in 1923), and I have to say, I don't think this is necessary or wise.

MCTEAGUE is an efficient 300 or so pages, and while the author sometimes goes a little baroque on the descriptions (which nonetheless, i found interesting as this a veritable time capsule for 1899, the year it was published)- the end is so magnificently constructed, there's not a word I'd take out. it is also worth noting that there are two subplots to the main story which are really well executed and bolster the central moral of the tale- the author most wisely inserts at least one happy ending into the whole grim tale.

like TERESE RAQUIN by ZOLA, MCTEAGUE is fascinating as a very early noir....it may actually be (loosely playing with dates) The First Great American Crime Novel of the 20th Century.

The ingredients are all there- San Francisco, money, a woman, obsession, MURDER!.... if you like HAMMETT, JIM THOMPSON, CAIN and CHANDLER: READ THIS BOOK (I guarantee you each and every one of them did.)

one of the signs of a good book is how often i utter things aloud while reading it, and i lost track of how many times i audible let loose with a gasp, a profanity, or a firm "WATCH OUT GIRL!" directed towards the female protagonist. There are two brilliant twists at the end, for one I gasped, for the other I let loose a full NELSON MUNTZ "ha-HA!"

I saw the restored version once and think a lot of the deleted scenes werent really necessary (most of the junk lady deserved to be pitched!)

[LornaHansonForbes]

5 minutes ago, Hibi said:

I saw the restored version once and think a lot of the deleted scenes werent really necessary (most of the junk lady deserved to be pitched!)

in the book, Maria (aka THE JUNK LADY) is HILARIOUS. Like something straight out of DICKENS.

Really, I am somewhat surprised no one has tried to do a faithful cinematic version of MCTEAGUE (the novel) and less-so a remake of GREED- I really think the story is quite timely.

[Hibi]

5 hours ago, LornaHansonForbes said:

in the book, Maria (aka THE JUNK LADY) is HILARIOUS. Like something straight out of DICKENS.

Really, I am somewhat surprised no one has tried to do a faithful cinematic version of MCTEAGUE (the novel) and less-so a remake of GREED- I really think the story is quite timely.

I'd like to read it one of these days. The actress in the film was so repulsive looking (not that the actress was repulsive, was her look and behavior. UGH). I didnt miss her being cut!

[laffite]

7 hours ago, LornaHansonForbes said:

I USUALLY only bring up something I JUST READ in the I JUST WATCHED thread if it's a book that I think will appeal to you guys and your classic film sensibilities, this qualifies.

I just read MCTEAGUE by FRANK NORRIS and I loved it.

This is the book on which GREED: THE FILM OF FILMS is based...I have to admit that I have only seen the first twenty minutes of GREED- TCM ran the restored version with the best of intentions, but it was one of those cases where a camera lingers over sepia-tinted production photos as substitution for deleted and lost scenes, and- much like accomplished accordion playing- I recognize the talent and the love involved, but DEAR GOD, do I find the end result taxing to endure.

anyhow, the whole first hour of GREED is stuff that isn't in the book- about the childhood upbringing of the protagonist (apparently ERICH VON STROHEIM wanted to go all TREE OF LIFE on people back in 1923), and I have to say, I don't think this is necessary or wise.

MCTEAGUE is an efficient 300 or so pages, and while the author sometimes goes a little baroque on the descriptions (which nonetheless, i found interesting as this a veritable time capsule for 1899, the year it was published)- the end is so magnificently constructed, there's not a word I'd take out. it is also worth noting that there are two subplots to the main story which are really well executed and bolster the central moral of the tale- the author most wisely inserts at least one happy ending into the whole grim tale.

like TERESE RAQUIN by ZOLA, MCTEAGUE is fascinating as a very early noir....it may actually be (loosely playing with dates) The First Great American Crime Novel of the 20th Century.

The ingredients are all there- San Francisco, money, a woman, obsession, MURDER!.... if you like HAMMETT, JIM THOMPSON, CAIN and CHANDLER: READ THIS BOOK (I guarantee you each and every one of them did.)

one of the signs of a good book is how often i utter things aloud while reading it, and i lost track of how many times some plot development led me to let loose a gasp, a profanity, or a firm "WATCH OUT GIRL!" directed towards the female protagonist. There are two brilliant twists at the end, for one I gasped, for the other I let loose a full NELSON MUNTZ "ha-HA!"

IT IS ALSO, as are the best of classics, prescient in its indictment of society, people, and (of course) greed.

I'm going to jump on this. The novel can be downloaded (or read online) for free from Gutenberg dot com. This is a responsible site and is committed only making available public domain books. They are firm on this. Any reader (especially the voracious kind) should be aware of the site, especially those who enjoy delving in older books, classics as well as little known gems. Happy discoveries abound.

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/165/165-h/165-h.htm#link2HCH0001

 

 

[Hibi]

I prefer the book in hand. I'll put it on my winter reading list..........

[LornaHansonForbes]

You know, it's uncanny that you guys bring this up, because after getting 50 pages in,  I misplaced my copy of MCTEAGUE and ended up listening to it in audio book form on YouTube for quite a few chapters before I went to the library and picked up a second hardcopy, which I've managed thus far not to lose.

(i'm pretty much without television while my apartment is being renovated, but I think we're very close to the end of the project)

some outfit called LIBRAVOX Has made audio recordings of most public domain short stories and novels out there. The guy doing this version wasn't bad, although there were a lot of German accents and the occasional woman's voice for him to imitate. It kind of reminded me of being in grade school and having the teacher read to us all.

[LornaHansonForbes]

As I get older (and more prone to MIGRAINES) i've gotten to where Ive started listening to more audiobooks soes not to strain ME EYES.

[laffite]

27 minutes ago, LornaHansonForbes said:

some outfit called LIBRAVOX

As you no doubt know (as they tell you quite frequently throughout any book) that they are all in the public domain. The readers are amateurs but nevertheless are often quite good.

Yes "books in hand"(quoth Hibi) is the usual preference for most avid readers. But getting old presents certain problems. The difficulty with reading a real book is become such that I am only too happy to read something on the computer where I can enlarge the print. Audio books are fine most of the time, but I am persnickety with who the readers are and whether or not I can stand their voices, etc. I find that as my ability to read easily in the good old conventional way is threatened I seem amenable to other ways that I would otherwise reject. Necessity is a good persuader.

[EricJ]

9 hours ago, LornaHansonForbes said:

some outfit called LIBRAVOX Has made audio recordings of most public domain short stories and novels out there. The guy doing this version wasn't bad, although there were a lot of German accents and the occasional woman's voice for him to imitate. It kind of reminded me of being in grade school and having the teacher read to us all.

Nice to know there's another Librivox.org fan out there:

https://librivox.org/mcteague-by-frank-norris/

With most Audible.com current bestsellers being insanely overpriced even on audio, I've been using the good volunteers at Librivox to catch up on the classics for my iPad at bedtime.

(I'm not familiar with the book apart from the movie, I just wanted to plug the site.)  ?

[laffite]

Emma (1996) A marriage has taken place and Emma (Gwyneth Paltrow) is taking credit for making the match and now has her unfailing eye (as declared of herself) on finding a husband for Harriet Smith (Toni Collette) much to the chagrin and disapproval of friend Mr Knightly (Jeremy Northam) who reproves friend Emma with his flawlessly rational and level-headed advice. Will Emma listen?

This was a fascinating and entertaining watch for me as I had just finished the novel by the incomparable Jane Austen. As the credits rolled I was delighted to see the name of Sophie Thompson in the opening credits. Now who might she be playing? Miss Thompson is a fixture in British Television and has many credits. Ah, there she is, she is none other than the annoying chatter bug, Miss Bates. The latter has a big heart but a volubility that exceeds the bar of tolerance of most humans. She is depicted as rather innocuous (to us) but a bother (to those in the story) and though a silly goose it's possible to be at least a little fond of her, from a distance of course. If you're a gooey sentimentalist like me, you might even find her a little charming. Greta Scacci in a smaller role is strikingly pretty and perfect as Mrs. Weston. I knew in advance that Toni Collette was Harriet and worried about that a little since what I have seen of Miss Colette, though positive, did not quite match the Miss Harriet I had in mind from the book. But the casting proves letter perfect again as Collette gives us the perfect picture of the sweet naivete and charm of her character. Jeremy Northam (Mr Knightly) seems to be only one who can speak sharply and otherwise offer criticism of Emma and the two of them have some wonderful arguments. Paltrow has a wonderful array of gestures and facial expressions that will endear herself to you. Don't resist it, it's no use. She will win you over.

The movie is very clever by seamlessly weaving scenes together while continuing a line of dialogue that makes sense. You will have to see this to fully appreciate. The device is economical since it judiciously cuts the running time. As it is, the movie runs about two hours (give or take a minute, it's close). A current discussion on our Boards speaks to the level of tolerance for movies that exceed two hours. With regard to this I say you; if the movie runs less than two hours then all are free to enjoy. If the movie should slip just over two hours then those who are constitutionally incapable of such marathons, this movie won't be for you and I would advise you skip it .

The movie plays like one of those who-is-going-to-end-up-who mystery comedies. While reading the book I began to make up my mind going along but I nevertheless shamelessly admit to getting it wrong. It is also like a quintessential Masterpiece Theater presentation but this should not deter anti-snob enthusiasts. Rachal Portman needs an accolade for the music score. I have other example of her good work and this is representative. This is a thoroughly enjoyable show and I heartily recommend it.

BTW, I also recommend the book. Treat yourself to one of the dazzling displays of prose writing in the history of English literature.

**** of 4

====

 

 

[Tikisoo]

hamradio said: Could never get around to seeing this movie until tonight. "Gods and Monsters" (1998)

I couldn't get through GODS & MONSTERS, it had the same distraction as PBS' ON CUKOR (2000)

I was interested in learning more about Whale's life and career and instead it seemed like a cheap exposé focused only on his "gayness". Anyone who knows classic film already knows his preferences and I was not shocked or titillated by those scenes. I'm sure the argument can be made, it WAS the only thing in his life and therefore greatly effected his career, but I'm uncomfortable seeing private situations played out in ANY story.
The Cukor biography was presented as a documentary and illustrated examples of how his personality influenced his career & colleagues. Maybe because GODS & MONSTERS was a fictionalized story, it just came across as trying to be salacious, rather than just presenting the facts and allowing the viewer to create their own conclusion.

I agree, that guy looks a great deal like Karloff in that photo. Wish I could have gotten that far into the story.

[LornaHansonForbes]

13 hours ago, laffite said:

 

Yes "books in hand"(quoth Hibi) is the usual preference for most avid readers. But getting old presents certain problems [and] Necessity is a good persuader.

TRUER WORDS HAVE NEVER BEEN SPOKEN

(I write in enlarged, emboldened font as I search for the switch to my heating pad.)

[Hibi]

15 hours ago, LornaHansonForbes said:

You know, it's uncanny that you guys bring this up, because after getting 50 pages in,  I misplaced my copy of MCTEAGUE and ended up listening to it in audio book form on YouTube for quite a few chapters before I went to the library and picked up a second hardcopy, which I've managed thus far not to lose.

(i'm pretty much without television while my apartment is being renovated, but I think we're very close to the end of the project)

some outfit called LIBRAVOX Has made audio recordings of most public domain short stories and novels out there. The guy doing this version wasn't bad, although there were a lot of German accents and the occasional woman's voice for him to imitate. It kind of reminded me of being in grade school and having the teacher read to us all.

 

Dont they usually renovate apts. between tenants???

[LornaHansonForbes]

1 minute ago, Hibi said:

 

Dont they usually renovate apts. between tenants???

the ceiling collapsed.

[Hibi]

JESUS H CHRIST!!!!!!!!!!   Sorry. That must be a HUGE mess.